Hands-free electronic device holder

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to hands-free holders for portable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holder comprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, a substantially translucent second side, an open top, and an attached strap.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/470,827, entitled HANDS-FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICEHOLDER, by Carol J. Seimetz, filed Apr. 1, 2011, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hands-free holder forportable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holdercomprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, asubstantially translucent second side, and an attached strap.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are a part of daily life. Cell phones, digital musicplayers, and other portable electronic devices are commonly carried bytheir users throughout their daily travels.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a hands-free electronicdevice holder. More particularly, the disclosure describes a pouch wornaround the neck that holds a portable electronic device for easy, yetprivate, viewing and access. The user can view the electronic device andascertain its status while the device is still in the pouch, and caneasily access the device and pull it out if necessary. For example, acell phone may be placed within the pouch so that its screen is visiblethrough the translucent side. Then, when a call comes in or a message isreceived, the user can easily pull the pouch slightly away from his orher torso and tilt it up so that caller ID information or a messagesummary is visible without removing the device from the pouch. The usercan then determine whether a response or further action is necessary,for example, whether a call needs to be answered, without removing thecell phone from the holder.

In one embodiment, the holder for electronic devices comprises a pouchincluding a first side and a second side, wherein the first side issubstantially translucent and the second side is substantially opaque,and a strap attached to the pouch. In another embodiment, the holder forelectronic devices comprises a pouch, a strap attached to the pouch, anda means for viewing an electronic device located within said pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first side view of an embodiment of a hands-free holder forelectronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a second side view of the embodiment of the hands-free holderfor electronic devices.

DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments illustratedin the disclosure, and specific language will be used to describe thesame. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scopeof the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict an embodiment of a hands-free holder 10 forelectronic devices. In this embodiment, a substantially planar pouch 12includes a first side 14 and a second side 16 opposite the first side14. Various embodiments of the pouch 12 are sized to hold particularelectronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, digitalmusic players, digital cameras, and mini-camcorders. In the illustratedembodiment, the first side 14 of the pouch 12 is substantially opaqueand the second side 16 is substantially translucent, forming asubstantially translucent portion of the pouch 12. In a furtherembodiment, the second side 16 is substantially transparent, forming asubstantially transparent portion of the pouch 12. In at least oneembodiment, the second side 16 is sufficiently transparent such that auser may view an electronic device within the pouch 12 by lookingthrough the second side 16. As used herein, transparency is a subset oftranslucency, wherein translucency allows the passage of light, buttransparency allows the passage of light and image formation.

The second side 16 is made of a material that is substantiallytranslucent and optionally transparent, including, but not limited to, atransparent vinyl sheet. In some embodiments, the second side 16 isconfigured to allow the user to perform touch screen functions while thedevice remains in the pouch 12. This second side 16 is also preferablyperforated in locations corresponding to the speakers and microphones ofthe device so those features can also be utilized while the deviceremains in the pouch 12.

The first side 14 is made of a material that is substantially opaqueincluding, but not limited to, an opaque fabric, leather, plastic, orother suitable material. In some embodiments, the first side displays adesign, logo, or image (such as that for a company, team, club, school,organization, event, hobby, photograph, musician or band, cartooncharacters, action heroes, movie, holiday, season, printed art, or thelike) by means of silkscreen, appliqué, embroidery, monogram, beads,sequins, jewel designs, and/or button(s), for example, at the preferenceof the wearer and/or with licensing for larger-scale production.

In at least one embodiment, a pocket 24 is attached to the outer surfaceof the first side 14. In a further embodiment, the pocket 24 istranslucent or transparent. In still a further embodiment, the pocket 24is a transparent pocket sized for receiving, storing, and displayingcards, such as, for example, an identification card or keycard. In thisembodiment, the user can carry and display the card or other item and aportable electronic device without the use of his or her hands.

The pouch 12 includes an opening 18 adapted to receive a portableelectronic device. The opening 18 optionally includes a means forclosure. Suitable means for closure include, but are not limited to, ahook-and-loop closure, snap, magnet, button, zipper, or other suitablemechanism. In at least one embodiment, the opening is arranged to be onthe topmost portion of the pouch 12, when the holder 10 is worn by auser.

The dimensions of the pouch 12 can vary to accommodate the size of theintended portable electronic device. In at least one embodiment, thepouch 12 is formed by the first side 14 and the second side 16 beingsewn or fabric-welded together along at least a portion of theirperimeters. In some embodiments, seams of the pouch 12 are straight orgusseted. In some embodiments, the pouch 12 further comprises a paddinglayer (not shown) attached to the interior of the pouch 12. The paddinglayer may be fabric, a foam pad, or other material or combination ofmaterials suitable for cushioning an electronic device withoutscratching it. In at least one embodiment, the padding layer is attachedto the interior of the first side 14.

In at least one embodiment, the holder 10 includes a strap 20 attachedto the pouch 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, thestrap 20 is attached to said pouch 12 at or near corners 22 adjacent tothe opening 18. In an alternate embodiment, the strap 20 may be attachedto a single point of attachment on the pouch 12. In further embodiment,the strap 20 may be attached to a ring, clip, loop, break-away clasp, orother attachment feature extending from the pouch 12. In at least oneembodiment, the length of the strap 20 is adjustable. A user may wearthe holder 10 on his or her torso by passing the strap 20 around theuser's neck. Alternately, the user may wear the holder 10 across his orher torso by passing the strap 20 around the user's neck and one ofuser's arms. Other means of wearing the holder 10 may also be utilized.The strap 20 can be made of any material that would occur to thoseskilled in the art, including, but not limited to, leather, cotton,plastic, metal chain, cord, beads, rope, lanyard, or ribbon. In someembodiments, the straps support addition of an easily attachable anddetachable accessory such as a key ring.

Finally, an additional interior pocket 26 is included in someembodiments inside pouch 18, attached to the back of first side 14.Pocket 26 may be opaque or clear, and is sized, for example, to holdcash, a driver's license and/or ATM/credit cards. This pocket 26 canprovide additional, more secure storage for important objects.

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail inthe drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatthe preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the invention aredesired to be protected.

1. A holder for electronic devices, comprising: a pouch having a firstsubstantially rectangular panel and a second substantially rectangularpanel, wherein a substantial portion of the first panel is substantiallytranslucent, the first panel is opposite and aligned with the secondpanel, and the first panel is attached to the second panel on threesides with an open top; and a strap attached to the pouch.
 2. The holderof claim 1, wherein the second panel is substantially opaque,
 3. Theholder of claim 1, wherein the second panel is substantiallytransparent.
 4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the open top includes ameans for closure.
 5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the means forclosure is chosen from a hook-and-loop closure, a snap, a magnet, abutton, and a zipper.
 6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the strap isattached to corners of the pouch adjacent to the opening.
 7. The holderof claim 1, wherein the strap is attached to corners of the pouch. 8.The holder of claim 1, further comprising a pocket attached to the firstpanel.
 9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the pocket is substantiallytranslucent.
 10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the pocket issubstantially transparent.
 11. A device comprising a pouch, a strapattached to the pouch, and a means for viewing an electronic devicelocated within the pouch, wherein the pouch includes an opening.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, wherein the means for viewing the electronic deviceis a substantially translucent portion of the pouch.
 13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the means for viewing the electronic device is touchsensitive, enabling a touch screen portion of the electronic device tobe used while the electronic device is still in the pouch.
 14. Thedevice of claim 12, further comprising a pocket located on a side of thepouch opposite the substantially translucent portion.
 15. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the means for viewing the electronic device is asubstantially transparent portion of the pouch.
 16. The device of claim11, further comprising a pocket.